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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Did you know that approximately 80% of all college students have admitted to consuming alcohol at some point during their four-year stint in school? Though the consumption reports range from social drinking to binge drinking, and alcoholism, the numbers seem to be increasing with passing time. Although the freeing environment of college is believed to bring about periods of experimenting and temptation, the growing numbers lead many to wonder why.
Why College Students Drink?
So, why is it that four out of every five college students admit to drinking? Sure, binge drinking and partying are to be expected to some degree, but as statistics show the rising number of addictions in young adults, the question becomes why. Below are some of the contributing factors to college alcoholism:
Freedom and Independence – Prior to enrolling in college, students have been under the watchful eye of their parents. The transition from having someone in control of your life to being the main decision-maker can come with complication. Wanting to try new things, the college life is often where students can gain access to alcoholic beverages without worrying about being caught by mom or dad.
Social Acceptance – Now, more than ever, being socially accepted by your peers is a must. College students use drugs and alcohol as a means to break the ice, calm social anxieties, fit in, connect with, and be accepted by their peers.
Academic Pressures – The workload students receive in college is nothing like anything they’re used to from their educational experience. Trying to keep up with all of these academic requirements while also maintaining some form of social life isn’t always the easiest. Stressed by the pressures to succeed, some students drink alcohol as a way to numb the pain.
College Culture – You can’t think about college without thinking about the fraternities, sororities, partying and drinking. The culture, although conducive to learning, is also one that seems to encourage the out of control partying lifestyle. Alcohol is easily accessible to most college students and is present at just about every function imaginable often promoting those who never had a drink before to suddenly indulge.
These are just a few of the factors that contribute to college drinking and alcoholism. If these circumstances have caused you or someone you know to rely heavily on the bottle, getting help is recommended. You can turn to sites like http://forwardrecovery.com to find programs for drugs and alcohol treatment.
Signs of College Alcoholism
How do you know if a college student has a drinking problem and needs help? Though everyone responds differently, here are some physical and mental signs that they need to seek assistance through drug and alcohol rehab programs to get better:
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Binge drinking – this is when a student will drink large amounts of alcohol in one sitting to the point of blacking out.
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Poor academics – if you notice a decline in the student’s grades, this is a red flag. Alcohol not only clouds judgment and hinders focus, but it can lead to a lot of hangovers and missed classes.
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Change in appearance – pale skin, weight fluctuations, dark circles, and more are all physical changes a college student suffering from addiction might display.
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Mood swings – A once happy, full of life, a college student can quickly turn into a pessimistic, grumpy, and emotionally unstable individual.
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Reckless behaviors – When you’re always drunk you make poor decisions. An increase in reckless activities like accidents, fights, verbal assaults, sexual assaults, school violations, and other negative behaviors could be a sign that they’re struggling with addiction.
What To Do About it?
If you or someone you know is currently in college and suffering with addiction, taking action immediately is the best way to recover. Below are a few tips on how to deal with the matter:
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Detox through a reputable rehab center
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Identify and eliminate common triggers
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Change your social circle to those who support you
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Steer clear of college events where alcohol will be served
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Seek counseling to identify underlying causes for drinking
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Take care of yourself and your health by eating right, exercising, and getting good sleep
It’s not uncommon to hear the word college and automatically think about booze-filled frat parties and experimental drugs. After all, it would appear that’s the life of a typical college student. Though the college years are often some of the most experimental years of a person’s life, when that exploring becomes life-threatening, it’s time to reanalyze things. Detoxing, seeking counseling, and re-prioritizing your life can help get you on the right track.